City Rail Link in the Budget?

Written By: - Date published: 8:57 pm, May 15th, 2013 - 45 comments
Categories: election 2014, housing, local body elections, national, polls, transport - Tags:

A reader sent us a comment from another blog by someone who was polled a couple of weeks back. The questions are very interesting, especially once you realise that it’s clearly being done for National and the Right in Auckland (one of the questions gives it away). Have a read, then I’ll tell you why I reckon the Nats are going to fund the City Rail Link in the Budget.

Asked me how I rated on a 1-5 scale John Key, David Shearer, Len Brown, Maurice Williamson…

Did I think NZ was headed in right or wrong direction.

Asked who I’d vote for today if a national election was held, and who I voted for last time.

Asked if I thought housing affordability was a major, moderate or non-issue.

Asked if housing affordability was due to land shortage, high compliancing/legal costs, or property developers profiteering…

Asked if Auck Council or NZ Govt were able to improve housing affordability. (I said 50/50).

Asked about expanding metropolitan limit, and increasing housing density in local centres.

Asked whether I thought CRL was very important, somewhat important, nice to have but not at expense of roading projects, or not needed at all.

Asked whether Puhoi-Welsford motorway extension was very important, somewhat important, nice to have but not at expense of rail projects or not needed at all

Asked about how transport improvements (of whatever type) should be funded, vis local fuel tax, local rates, national fuel tax or central govt taxes.

Asked how above funds, once raised should be split rail vs roads. (I went for 70% rail-30% roads- I haven’t read about whats required so I pulled that from my ass 🙂

Asked if knowing a council candidate was on a Citizens & Ratepayers (or whatever they’ve changed C&R to stand for now?) ticket would make me more or less likely to vote for them. No other council tickets were mentioned or asked about.

There may have been a few more questions on the same subjects, but it was pretty narrowly focused on getting an aucklander’s view on the major auckland issues, and how to pay for them, and does Maurice Williamson have a show… 🙂

So, questions about both national and local political figures and about policy decisions by both local and central government. The giveaway is only being asked about the C&R brand. Clearly, this was a poll commissioned by National/C&R – probably Curia.

One object seems to be to get data on whether Williamson has a shot at a mayoral run (hey, talk of that dried up pretty suddenly, didn’t it? Probably about the time these polling numbers came in)

The questions about housing affordability are interesting (only rightwing ‘answers’ offered – this is typical of Farrar’s accidental push-polling). It shows that National feels it needs to do something in this area and is searching for an option that would be politically saleable, even if ineffective in practice. English has already signalled that we’ll be seeing something along those lines (sounds good, does nothing) in the Budget.

But it’s the transport ones that catch my eye. Why would National want to know about views on the City Rail Link vs the Holiday Highway? They wouldn’t if their position is fixed. If they’re building the holiday highway come hell or high water and they’re dead set against the CRL, they don’t need to waste money asking polling questions about them.

So, what if National’s position isn’t fixed? What if they’re considering building the CRL and they’re considering dropping the Holiday Highway to pay for it? Then, they would want an idea of how receptive the public would be to such a move.

And we know basically what the numbers will have told them, because the question has been asked in public polls: Aucklanders think the CRL is more important than the Holiday Highway.

Clearly, the party that can get the CRL built has a lot of votes to gain, both in 2014 and at the local body elections.

Here, then, is my call: in the Budget, National will announce it is providing part funding for the CRL. Puhoi to Wellsford may be delayed to free up the cash or the money might come from the so-called ‘Future Investment Fund’ (ie. the asset sales revenue) to really fuck with the Left.

That will be a bold move that will attempt to wrong-foot the Left by adopting one of its own positions, in stark contrast to National’s pattern to date of focusing on fringe issues that only the business elite back. Conflating asset sales with getting the CRL would make things really tricky for the Left to finesse.

So, will National have the vision and cunning for that. Or are they too ideologically set against rail?

45 comments on “City Rail Link in the Budget? ”

  1. Interesting comment. The “leaks” about the budget and affordable housing, more state housing, and food in schools are all good progressive ideas. It is as if the Nats know the next election will be lost unless they can grab some left support and adopt policies that are near and dear to lefties.

    It confuses the hell out of me. And supporting the CRL would cause a crisis of confidence.

    Maybe they will do anything as long as they can retain power and keep selling assets. Including selling their right wing souls.

    • IrishBill 1.1

      Looks like National have followed my advice on food in schools: http://thestandard.org.nz/the-problem-with-third-way-policies/

      Bugger.

      • Colonial Viper 1.1.1

        The feel of it is that National are gearing up hard to win a 3rd term. And are willing to make some minor progressive sacrifices in order to do so.

        • felix 1.1.1.1

          Quelle surprise, I thought National were supposed to politely hand over the bat at the end of their go.

          After all, their poll numbers have been trending down. Surely that’s a sign that their term is coming to an end and they should give up.

          And Labour have been playing nicely, quietly waiting their turn like they ought to. With such a cooperative opposition it seems highly unfair of National to try and get re-elected by such dirty tricks as announcing policy that appeals to the voters.

          This just won’t do. It’s Shearer’s turn goddammit.

          • The Al1en 1.1.1.1.1

            Cynical it is, opportunist it is, last throw of the dice it certainly isn’t – It’s called on the attack politics, and if done, the nats would not only win votes because of it, they would also have the perfect excuse to flog off more assets as ‘in the public interest’ to fund similar projects like they promised.
            Well played… If they weren’t scum bag rich pricks.

            Still, not bullet proof.
            If the nats are willing to stump up for the crl project they’ve previously criticvised, why didn’t they build a convention hall with government cash that they say would bring in 90m a year?

            • red rattler 1.1.1.1.1.1

              Could be a win win if the NACTs sign up China Railway Group to do a Build-Operate-Transfer job. And who knows, a crl that goes over to the North Shore and beyond could open a fastrail link to Marsden Point. The NACTs have all the money and all the connections and are walking all over Labour.

          • Tamati 1.1.1.1.2

            Here’s a nice example of some complacent left wingers, thinking all they had to do was smile and talk about “Time for Change” to get elected. 20% ahead in the polls at the start of year, yet go on to lose in May!

            http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/05/15/british_columbia_election_christy_clark_pulls_off_an_upset_for_the_ages_tim_harper.html

            Would probably be a good game plan for Key and a pretty big warning for Shearer!

      • Alanz 1.1.2

        “Looks like National have followed my advice on food in schools”

        – be careful what is written here. Nats pick up ideas from here while the Labour leadership doesn’t read blogs.

  2. Tamati 2

    Always interesting to see what the internal polling is up to. I don’t think it is a push poll though, they tend not to be done in person. I think the wording is more about finding expressions to put into sound bites. Fox News and the Republicans are masters at this dark art, hence why “Healthcare Reform” and “Universal Healthcare” became “government take over of healthcare” and “Obamacare”. As Roger Ailes said:

    “When I die, I want to come back with real power. I want to come back as a member of a focus group.”

    [yeah, I didn’t say it was a push poll. the problem with farrar is his questions are limited to the existing framing of the people he’s meant to be finding info for… so the respondent has to answer in terms that suit the cient… Eddie]

    • IrishBill 2.1

      No, it’s not a push poll. It’s a poll that is trying to determine the most palatable way to frame an issue within the limits of a rightwing paradigm.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 2.2

      Pollsters are always like that, you gotta have the answers the bill payers like to hear- Ask Mitt Romney about that ?

  3. handle 3

    Parties adjust their communications planning with questions like these. It does not mean they will fund the Central Rail Link, just know how to talk about not doing it. Or in this case Williamson may not bother running for Mayor if his own libertarian bias is too far out of step with what Aucklanders want.

  4. Anne 4

    Clearly, this was a poll commissioned by National/C&R – probably Curia.

    Curia without a shadow of doubt. Has Farrar’s footprints all over it.

    • Tom Gould 4.1

      Did the polling company or organisation fail to name itself in the preamble? I thought that was a must in the industry code of ethics?

    • Anne 4.2

      Yes, it was Curia. They rang me this evening.

      I agree the questions were loaded and concentrated on Auckland City and the debate between the Rail Link and the Holiday Highway. Quite a complex poll. They are trying to gauge which of the funding options would evoke the least opposition.

      The other big issue was housing in Auckland and house prices in particular. They want to know who we’re blaming for the situation – the govt. or the council. C&R figured prominently – trying to find out if we’re put off by C&R and if so… they’ll stand supposedly independent candidates.

      My pick is this is a major poll which is also going to decide the strategy for their campaign next year. The background noise suggested to me there were at least 200 people on the phones. They’ll be ringing from one of the major polling companies. It will be costing them both arms and legs. Wonder what Farrar is charging them?

      Remember, elections are won and lost in Auckland.

      • karol 4.2.1

        Politics by poll just makes me sick. Where’s the conviction politics?

        Consulting with people is one thing, but using polls to find a sly way to slip in your desired policies is not in the spirit of democracy.

        • Colonial Viper 4.2.1.1

          Conviction politics? Cowardice politics seems more common.

        • Anne 4.2.1.2

          Precisely karol, and to back that up I’ve remembered another interesting question:

          Did I think the govt. was going in the right direction or the wrong direction?

          In other words they will change their ideology and policies to fit with the majority opinion. No basic principles or integrity, just whatever it takes to hang on to that aphrodisiac… absolute power.

  5. Mike 5

    Joyce used the Holiday Highway in one of his Question Time diatribes today against the opposition for opposing him
    So I don’t think it’s going away

  6. If it’s true, then that’s why Len Brown threw problem gamblers under the sky city bus on Monday.
    What is it with Ak mayors? It’s like every one of them has their price. Banks’ is cash in an envelope, Brown’s kids locked in an underground car park.

    If it’s true.

  7. Molly 7

    If the Budget reveals attempts to “wrong foot the Left” as you suggest (and which I also suspect), the best response from the Left should be “about time!”…. and front the media requests for comment with “We are ready to reach consensus on these policies and are looking forward to working together now that National has come to the party” and make it apparent they are willing to work together on these issues.

    The left has the opportunity to take any moves by National to appear ready to deal – and run with it – preferably in full view of the public.

    Only after a period of time, should any Left commentators say (somewhat regretfully) “… I don’t know what happened, we were ready to sit down and get these issues sorted and National vetoed any of the solutions the group came up with. Despite that, we have …..” fed 2000 kids breakfast… etc

    • georgecom 7.1

      To put that in different words, frame things so the left has the answers to our current problems and the Nats are finally coming round to our way of thinking. We have the answers, we are the future government that will address the nations problems. The nats have belatedly come to the party. Hey, it has taken them a long time but we want to make an EARLY START on getting these problems solved so we will deal with them now. When we get into office we will have some head start on which to build some really progressive and long term focused initiatives.

      We have the answers, we are the government in waiting, we can’t wait to get cracking. We are gripped by a sense of urgency. There is not a moment to lose, not a person to waste. The Nats have wasted 5 years and pushed many people to the side. They have finally woken up to some of the things that need to be done. We’ll work with them so we can make a start and hit the ground running when elected.

      A left Government = the answers to the nations problems
      Nats et al = continually playing catch up, no idea apart from following our lead

      • Colonial Viper 7.1.1

        Nice framing but where is this Left Government in Waiting gripped with Urgency and armed with Answers that you keep referring to?

        • Alanz 7.1.1.1

          There is a Labour Party sitting on the opposition benches that is supposed to be on the Left but so far under its current leadership, it has been more successful at showing it is Left Behind.
          Never mind. Don’t rock the boat. Give it six more months.

        • ghostwhowalksnz 7.1.1.2

          Glass always empty again CV ?

          • Colonial Viper 7.1.1.2.1

            Are you suggesting instead that the left wing glass is either half full, or completely full?

        • georgecom 7.1.1.3

          Well when has framing v reality actually stopped a government in the recent years I can count on the fingers of one hand?

          Brighter future
          Ambitious for NZ
          Wave goodbye to high taxes not your loved ones
          170,000 jobs
          etc etc

          I guess you might argue that the answers are in comparison with the lot in power at the moment, who are clueless about what to actually do about the problems, who think they are seeing ‘Wellington die and can’t do a thing about it’ etc etc.

          Not all the answers, fully admitted, simply far more than clueless and clueless. But importantly starting to develop some of the right answers for our future. Some way to go, yes, but at least the journey has been started. Clueless and clueless? Still transferring the nations welath into their mates pockets and little idea beyond that.

  8. Ad 8

    Far too early to get hopes up on CRL.
    Not even done the detailed business case, through Treasury Better Business Case framework.
    Best to hope for – and unlikely in my view – is Government saying “it’s worth thinking about”.

    anyone seen Labour’s alternative budget?
    Yesterday I just saw Parker in the Herald just agreeing with everything.

  9. tc 9

    If they back CRL then they risk looking desperate after slagging If off every opportunity and continuing with their roads to nowhere. If they use asset sales funds then that is another broken promise so as long as the opposition can stay on message it should be easy.

    Cue for twyford to prove he’s worth something after all maybe as DS seems feckless

  10. Salad 10

    Hang on a second. Maybe the mistake is thinking that the CRL is some kind of grand progressive, Left-wing project? After all, even the business lobbies support it these days…I think it is a good idea, but I don’t see what is inherently Left wing about it.

    • karol 10.1

      The focus on public transport is left wing. However, focusing only on rail is a limited vision. A substantial left wing approach would include linkages between buses and rail stations, and various incentives to get people walking, cycling and using public transport more, and using motor vehicles less on roads.

    • Stephen D 10.2

      Interesting point. The CRL is going to benefit those who use, or would use PT more. These people are not usually National voters. So it is a ‘left’ position in that is helps the bottom two thirds rather than the top third. OTOH businesses in Auckland realise the economic benefits of a decent PT system, so far the govt doesn’t.

      • Colonial Viper 10.2.1

        The CRL is going to benefit those who use, or would use PT more. These people are not usually National voters.

        I would tend to disagree around Auckland: everyone (and I do mean everyone) would like to see cars leave the motorways: even the people who drive new BMWs every day.

        • karol 10.2.1.1

          Yep. Even if they don’t want to use public transport themselves, they’d rather less people were using the roads.

          But, many people are eyeing the existing public transport, and want more of an incentive to get out of their cars – lower costs, more reliable and frequent PT, and more PT to diverse areas away from the rail lines.

  11. Rich the other 11

    Winning tactics,
    No money for the rail system , this time.
    Why would they partly fund it at this time when they have another budget after this one before the next election, it could be a vote winner in Auckland next time.

    The Govt’s on a roll with an abundance of good news story’s.
    Maurice Williamson will win if he stands.
    Len Browns housing plan is in tatters, it seems he forgot to ask AK residence if they would like high rise housing in their neighbour hood , another win for Nick Smith and the Nat’s .

    The left is going nowhere and are starting to panic , even submitters to this site are beginning to doubt the lefts ability’s.
    The economy is rapidly improving which creates real problems for the green/labour opposition.

    Long range prediction , next election a landslide win for National.

    • karol 11.1

      You should ask to write for the Civilian.

    • BM 11.2

      Yep, I’d be surprised if they don’t get a majority.

    • tracey 11.3

      “it seems he forgot to ask AK residence if they would like high rise housing in their neighbour hood” More evidenc eof the slefless community feeling of NZers. Just as they want more people in prisons but no prison built near them, they want their children to afford a home but not a 6 level complex near them.

    • karol 11.4

      TRto: Len Browns housing plan is in tatters, it seems he forgot to ask AK residence if they would like high rise housing in their neighbour hood ,

      Ummmm…. that is why it ‘s a draft Unitary Plan, and why there’s a call for submissions from the public, plus a load of public meetings about it.

      • tracey 11.4.1

        Nat supporters get confused over things like consultation and submission and pubblic meetings. They know what’s best for everyone else they find it frustrating to have to prove it.

  12. tracey 12

    The elephant int he housing affordability issue in Auckland, for politicians at least are leaky homes. I have been in this area of law for over 4 years now. There are over 80,000 home sin auckland ranging in values between $250k and over 1.4 million that cannot be sold because they are leaky (unless you want land value). Only about 8,000 of these owners had anyone they could sue (when they realised they had a leaky home) and the rpair costs are prohibitive and crippling for many. Take that number of homes out of the sale and purchase circulation and you have problems. BUT let’s just talk about the earthquake victims, supported by Govt, and insurance and not mention these people and their family and friends who are devastated emotionally and financially by all.

  13. tracey 13

    “The economy is rapidly improving” Thanks for the chuckle, it’s been a difficult day so far, speaking with those who the economy is failing and the justice system too… it’s always great to know amongst genuine suffering there are those who choose to belieev any old patter thrown their way.

  14. Mondograss 14

    I had a public meeting with Len about the Unitary Plan on the Shore a few nights ago. He didn’t mention the CRL once, despite it being central to the need to get decent public transport to the Shore. He did however mention the Holiday Highway several times, and not in negative terms either.

  15. tracey 15

    Mondograss… thanks for that. Buggered if I know what to make of it though…

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • EV road user charges bill passes
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April.  “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Bill targets illegal, unregulated fishing in international waters
    New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • Reserve Bank appointments
    Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.  Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Stronger protections for apartment owners
    Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Travel focused on traditional partners and Middle East
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend.    “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says.   Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Keep safe on our roads this Easter
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Cost of living support for over 1.4 million Kiwis
    About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Tenancy reviews for social housing restart
    Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-28T11:18:44+00:00